Melanie I. Van Ry

Port Leyden –Melanie Ida Peck Van Ry, 80, passed away in the comfort of her home on Thursday, September 28, 2023. She was a kind, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend with a wry sense of humor and a quick smile.

Melanie was born in Cornwall, New York on October 23, 1942, the daughter of Floyd Worth and Ida May Quinn Peck. She grew up in the Hudson Valley, attending Highland Falls Elementary School and graduating in 1960 as valedictorian from Wallkill Central School. She continued her education at Syracuse University, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education and a Master of Arts in Education. Later, she earned an additional certification in pre-k through sixth grade education.

She married her loving husband and best friend Richard Arie Van Ry on June 10, 1967 in Osceola, New York. The couple settled for over 50 years at their home in Port Leyden.

One of Melanie’s greatest passions was teaching, leading her to become a middle and high school math instructor. She began her teaching career at Skaneateles Central School for two years before moving to Lewis County to start a family with Richard. She then spent an additional two decades teaching math at every level from elementary to middle school to Advanced Calculus for the Copenhagen Central School District. In addition, Melanie spent time outside of school and during summers tutoring many local young people. Even after retirement, she continued teaching math for a time at Adirondack Central School. She was a beloved teacher to both students and colleagues alike. Melanie remained connected with her friends from Copenhagen throughout retirement, attending regular luncheons and also many plays at Syracuse Stage with fellow retirees.

Throughout her life and after retirement, Melanie pursued a variety of interests. Melanie loved flowers. She spent many hours admiring and caring for her flower gardens. She was known to family and friends as an avid, gifted, and fiercely competitive Scrabble player. She was often found with a crossword puzzle book in hand. Christmas was an especially treasured time for her—she loved Christmas lights, collecting holiday decorations, and most of all giving gifts to others. Melanie enjoyed many trips with her husband and family to New England, Colorado, and the Adirondacks. She also served for many years as a board member and treasurer of the Port Leyden Community Library, and volunteered alongside her husband at Artworks, an artist co-op in Old Forge. More than anything, she cherished time with her loved ones. She often reminisced about her childhood, visiting family in one of her favorite places, Osceola. Later, when she and Dick had their own children, they too spent countless holidays and gatherings with family there.

Melanie is survived by her daughter Jennifer Van Ry Capozzi (John) of Marietta, and grandsons Jaiden, Kieran, and Rylan; and her son, Pieter Arie Van Ry of Colorado, and grandchildren Ellie and Zack. She is also survived by sister-in-law Glenda Van Ry, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara and Don Klem, brother-in-law Gordon Moore and many nieces and nephews. Melanie’s husband of 54 years, Richard, passed away on March 9, 2023. She was also predeceased by her parents Floyd and Ida Peck, her brother Victor Floyd Peck, and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Calling hours will be held Friday, October 6th from 4 -7:00 pm at the Trainor Funeral Home on Schuyler Street in Boonville. Services will take place on Saturday, October 7th at 11:00 am at Trainor Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Salmon River Cemetery in Osceola.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Port Leyden Community Library, 3145 Canal Street, Port Leyden, NY 13433, or to the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Court, Suite 1, Utica, NY 13502.